The Indian Express                 30.05.2013

BMC yet to decide on racecourse lease

WITH just two days to go before the 99-year lease of Mahalaxmi Racecourse expires, the civic administration is yet to take a final call on its renewal.

"The Turf Club should be ready to vacate the premises along with movable assets they own in case the lease is not renewed. BMC might allow them an additional 15-20 days to do so," said a senior civic official.

However, sources in BMC estate department said a proposal to renew the lease, along with substantially increasing the lease rental, was "in process". "The proposal will be sent to the state government for approval," said a BMC official.

Meanwhile, Mayor Sunil Prabhu and corporators across party lines maintain a tough stand against the lease renewal.

"The racecourse should used as an open space. We are planning to turn it into a public garden," said Prabhu.

RWITC has been using the Mahalaxmi Racecourse for the past 99 years and pays an annual rent of Rs 60 lakh for holding derbys for six months in a year. BMC had recently renewed the Turf Club's licence to serve food and drinks at eateries on their premises.